A heart for the Latino community

Jose Perez spends his retirement doing what he enjoys, working. After 25 years with BellSouth, the native Cuban took early retirement to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning a business.

In 2002, Perez started Target Market Trends, a business consulting company based in Norcross. With a background in economics and experience ranging from market positioning to forecasting, he uses that knowledge to help firms look at and understand business trends.

#I had spent so much time traveling with former jobs, even going to Europe and Latin America, that I knew more people outside the country than I did in my own backyard. I decided it was time to get to know those people and do what I#ve always wanted to do,# said Perez.

A self-described people person, Perez enjoys getting to know people and helping out his community. Since first moving to Gwinnett in 1983, he#s put a lot of time and effort into getting involved. A member of the Gwinnett Republican Party, Perez is also on the Gwinnett Planning Commission and the State School Board. He is involved with the Latino Commission, a group of 18 Latino community leaders throughout Georgia appointed by the Governor to help with Latino issues.

#People don#t know Latino#s very well, and it#s hard to get to know people if you don#t meet them. I want them to know Latino#s and see that there#s not much difference between us # we have the same strengths, weaknesses and goals. That#s one of the reasons I#m involved with these organizations,# said Perez.

Excited about his next venture, Perez will soon take on the role of teacher. Georgia Perimeter College at the University Center recently approached him about teaching economics at the college. With a bachelor#s and master#s degree in economics from Florida Atlantic University, Perez is well qualified to for the position.

And, as if that isn#t enough, Perez has a few more extra-curricular activities. A Chairman#s Club member at the Gwinnett Chamber, board member of the Robert D. Fowler YMCA and member of the Gwinnett Hospital System#s Task Force, Perez takes being involved in his community to heart.

#Life has been so good to me, why not serve my community?# said Perez.